Elastomeric Signal Transmission Device with Retractable Data Connector

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable electronic devices, such as digital cameras and mobile phones, require additional signal transmission lines for data transfer and battery recharge, making it inconvenient for users without these lines.

Innovation Solution

An elastically extendable signal transmission device with a linked unit, switch button, data connector, and lock fastener allows the data connector to be extended and retracted via a switch button, eliminating the need for additional transmission lines by using elastomers for expansion and securing the connector when retracted.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional signal transmission lines are used for data transfer and battery recharge, then data transmission and battery recharge functions are achieved, but user convenience deteriorates due to the need to carry and manage separate transmission lines

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission and battery recharge capabilityVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the data connector and transmission line into a single integrated assembly that is built into the portable electronic device. The data connector is connected to a coiled transmission line that can be extended when needed and automatically retracts when not in use, merging the previously separate components (device, transmission line, connector) into one unified structure, thereby eliminating the need for users to carry separate transmission lines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission line is designed with a coiled spring structure that provides dynamic extension and retraction capabilities. The line can be extended outward when a user needs to connect to another device, and automatically retracts to a compact size when not in use, transforming the static transmission line into a dynamic component that adapts to user needs, thus improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the data connector is made extendable to eliminate additional transmission lines, then user convenience is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for elastic elements and locking mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidinternal mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission line is coiled and nested within the device housing, with the data connector nested at the end of the transmission line. The lock fastener mechanism is nested within the linked unit structure. This nesting arrangement allows the extendable components to be stored compactly within the device when not in use, minimizing the increase in device complexity while maintaining the extendable functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The coiled spring structure of the transmission line provides self-service by automatically extending when pulled and automatically retracting when released, without requiring complex motorized mechanisms. The lock fastener automatically engages to secure the connector in extended position and automatically disengages when the connector is pushed back, reducing the complexity of control mechanisms while maintaining reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables convenient file transfer and battery recharge without additional signal transmission lines, improving the usability and portability of portable electronic devices by integrating a built-in signal transmission solution.

Implementation Method 1

The first elastomer and a second elastomer... The data connector rotates and expands according to the first shaft and the first elastomer. The lock fastener rotates and expands according to the second shaft and the second elastomer.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8241048B2Signal transmission device
Publication Date: 2012.08.14 ABILITY ENTERPRISE CO LTD
  • US8241048B2 patent drawing
  • US8241048B2 patent drawing
  • US8241048B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A signal transmission device is provided. The signal transmission device comprises a linked unit, a switch button, a data connector and a lock fastener. The linked unit includes a first shaft, a second shaft, a first elastomer and a second elastomer. The switch button is attached/disposed on the linked unit. The data connector rotates and expands according to the first shaft and the first elastomer. The lock fastener rotates and moves according to the second shaft and the second elastomer.